A few years back our denomination split. It was a difficult time for all of us, extremely contentious and sometimes painful as we saw good friends and sometimes even family go in different directions over differences in how we view the lessons of scripture.

So, for those who remain in fellowship together, are we all of one accord on everything? Not at all! We cover the spectrum when it comes to theology, social issues, politics, age, status, musical preferences, methods of worship, and virtually any other measure you can think of. We are far from a homogeneous collection of believers.

So, what keeps this assemblage of misfits together? As Paul said in our scripture for the day, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

When we worship together, all differences fade away. When we approach the communion table, we come as one body. When we study and discuss together, we have one common purpose; that is to grow in faith together. When we welcome kids from the Junior High on Tuesday mornings, it is with a common desire to provide them with an opportunity for fellowship and devotion to start their day.

And when we serve together, there are no theological or social boundaries that divide us. We put differences aside to serve meals on Thursday nights, to minister recovery on Wednesday nights, to fill the blessing box, to stuff flood buckets, to pack 10,000 meals to go overseas, to minister to those with dementia, to go and do and serve and serve and serve. Together.

All these things bring us together as one body in love without regard to differences. We have chosen to be and worship and serve as one. What a blessing that is!

Father God, thank you that we can be together the body of Christ. We celebrate all that brings us together and holds us together. We know that we can be stronger together and witness to our community that your love and our love for each other and for our neighbors will keep us together as one. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Charlie Barton.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week. If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Psalm 103 reads like a litany of blessings, or like a shower of blessings. Listen to the benefits of God the psalmist recites:

God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns with love and compassion, satisfies, and renews. God works righteousness and justice for the oppressed.

God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

In fact, God’s love is so great, it is as high as the heavens are above the earth. God’s love is great enough to remove our sins such that the distance between us and our transgressions is as far as the east is from the west.

God’s compassion is not abstract. It is tangible, like the compassion of a father for his children.

The psalmist lists many blessings from God, but begins with a directive to his soul to bless God. Hebrew blessings are short prayers spoken to God to offer thanks for daily events, and the Talmudic rabbis believe it is forbidden to enjoy such things without offering a blessing. In fact, the Talmud states, “If you enjoy something in this world without saying a blessing, it is as if you stole it.”

I am convicted by the thought that I might steal God’s blessings when I forget to, in response, bless God. How might this day be transformed if I practice such a blessing? Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the beautiful sunrise. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for a kind word from a stranger. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for brightly colored leaves, scattered on the ground. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the gifts of God’s mercy and lovingkindness.

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. God, as I go through this day, tune my heart to sing your praise for the many gifts you shower over me, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.